Why Yaya Diaby And Haason Reddick Are A Perfect Fit Together

The addition of outside linebacker Haason Reddick to start on the other side of the line from Yaya Diaby has been the biggest free agency move the Bucs have made this offseason when it comes to adding a new player to this team. It’s a low risk, high reward situation where Tampa Bay hopes that Haason Reddick taps into the player he was in 2022 and 2023 rather than what he was in 2024.

We’ve heard from Reddick himself about the move, as well as general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles in recent days. Who we haven’t heard from yet are any current Bucs that are officially teammates with Reddick. That was until Thursday afternoon when Yaya Diaby joined the Pewter Report Podcast.

Yaya Diaby Reacts To Haason Reddick Joining Bucs

During the show, Pewter Report asked Yaya Diaby what he thought about Haason Reddick coming to Tampa Bay. Given that they play the same position, this is a move that has an impact on Diaby as well as the entire defense. There’s one element in all of this that makes it the right fit.

“I’m super-excited, man, the guy is amazing an amazing pass rusher,” Yaya Diaby said. “I think it was 2021 or 2022 season where he was almost defensive player of the year. The dude is amazing at what he does and I’m excited to have him. Being an older guy, just to put on stuff on for me and the other younger guys, me and (Chris) Braswell and Jose (Ramirez) and (Markees) Watts just let us know what what we can do to improve our game. I was watching this interview he had with the Bucs and he was saying that he loves the left side and I love the right side so we’re going to be just fine.”

Already knowing that Reddick enjoys the left side while Yaya Diaby prefers lining up on the right side is already a good start. Todd Bowles does like to move his players around, but understanding that each guy has a comfort level can help with their focus and preparation each week.

He explained why he prefers one side over the other.

“He loves the left side and I love the right side – so we’ll be just fine,” Diaby said. “That’s another thing – what I was doing the whole month of March, just watching myself and just watching my abilities [on tape]. And how I rushed on the right and how I rushed on the left. I had a big dip [in production] rushing from the left side that I really want to improve on this offseason.

“But rushing from the right side is just natural. My hand placement, how I get off and everything. It just feels right, and it just happens to be against the best O-lineman, and I love that challenge.”

Diaby has yet to speak to Reddick despite following him on social media. That’ll surely change in due time when they are working together.

“No, I haven’t had any contact,” Diaby said. “I’ve been following him on Instagram and stuff and following him for a long time. I feel like I won’t get a follow back ’til he’s actually in the building, so I’ll just wait on that part.”

Who Benefits The Most From Haason Reddick’s Arrival?

Also on the Pewter Report podcast, Yaya Diaby was asked about who benefits the most with Haason Reddick now in Tampa Bay. It’s a reasonable discussion to have that if Reddick gets more attention with double teams, would it be Diaby that gets the advantage? Or would it be Bucs defensive tackles Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea that get better opportunities with a direct line to the quarterback?

Diaby gave a warning to all opponents who have to face this group during the 2025 season.

“I feel like what people don’t realize that that me, Calijah, Vita, it’s really hard to guard all of us one on one,” Diaby said. “Just adding somebody like Haason is just going to make it even harder, and it’s going to make the guys on the back end’s job a little easier. I feel like the only thing that separated us last year was everybody wasn’t healthy at the same time and that kind of hurt us a lot and I feel like with a healthy team, I feel like ooh, Tampa Bay is a scary team to face.

“And every team we play, they all know once you play Tampa Bay you’ve got to put your best best work in. I’m super excited to have him with us and I know all the other guys, Vita and and Calijah – everyone is excited. I’m just excited.”